Homework Questions/Updates

Hello families,
We are going full speed this week with homework so please be patient with new routines. Hopefully I have drilled into your child what the expectations are, so try to trust them when they explain their homework. We were a bit rushed today, but they all were able to write in their logs. I just wanted to clarify a few things for you...

1. Yes, the Weekly Reader can count as 15 minutes of reading. (If they read the entire magazine with you/or you hear them reading from afar.)
2. There is a spelling homework page that came home for you to read. They must complete the homework listed on it on the corresponding day. It will also be written on their homework log. This counts as practicing spelling words. Monday's homework was to resort their words. We did this in class today, so it should be review. If they forget, please let me know.
3. There was a math fact packet sent home. This was ripped out of their math book to be used for practice at home. It does not need to be turned in and can be kept at home. Your child can use it for practice until you come up with a system of practicing math facts. They do not need to complete the whole packet this week, they can use it at their own pace.

Please let me know any other homework questions as we ease into things this week. Thank you for your support!

Back to School Night/Responsive Classroom

Families,
Thank you for coming to Back to School Night! It was a pleasure meeting all of you, and I can now see where your children get their wonderful qualities from! I am attaching a responsive classroom letter that goes along with the brochure I handed out during Back to School Night. This is an approach that the entire Lower School has been adopting the past few years. If you have any questions, please let me know! Thanks again for your time and support!

RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM

We want to let you know of an approach to teaching that we use in 2A. It’s called the Responsive Classroom approach. This approach was developed by classroom teachers. It emphasizes teaching children to take care of themselves, each other, and the school environment so that everyone can learn at his/her best. You’ll notice our class paying attention to how students treat one another throughout the day. You’ll also notice a strong emphasis on students setting goals for their own learning and taking responsibility for reaching those goals.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES ~
The Responsive Classroom approach is based on theories of how children learn and on the experiences of classroom teachers. There are seven basic principles behind this approach:
*Learning social skills is as important as learning academic skills.
*How children learn is as important as what they learn. Process and content go hand in hand.
*Children gain knowledge most effectively through social interaction.
*To be successful academically and socially, children need to learn cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control.
*Knowing the children we teach – individually, culturally, and developmentally – is as important as knowing the content we teach.
*Knowing the families of the children we teach and inviting their participation is essential to children’s education.
*How the adults in the school work together is as important as how skillful each individual teacher is: Lasting change begins with the adult community.
Teaching Practices ~
The Responsive Classroom approach includes the following main parts. We will be using all of these in our classroom this year.
Morning Meeting
Children gather for fifteen to twenty minutes every day to greet each other, share news, do a group activity, and look forward to the day ahead. This daily routine builds community, creates a positive climate for learning, and gives children practice in a wide range of academic and social skills.

Rules and Logical Consequences
The teacher and children together create rules for the classroom that will allow everyone to do his/her best learning. When children break the rules, there are clear and non-punitive consequences that help them learn from the mistake. This approach teaches responsibility and self-control.

Guided Discovery
A structured way of introducing materials so that children become interested and motivated to explore different ways to use the materials.

Academic Choice
An approach that gives children some choices in their learning to help them become invested, self-motivated learners.

Classroom Organization
Arranging materials, furniture, and displays in ways that encourage learning, care, positive social interaction, and independence in children.


Working Together with Parents
Involving parents as true partners in their children’s education.

Please let us know if you have any questions. You can also learn more about the Responsive Classroom approach at www.responsiveclassroom.org

We look forward to a productive and joyful year with your child!

Sincerely,
Amanda R.
Sue F.

Star Student

Courtney is our new Star Student! She shared some interesting and very funny information about herself this morning. She said she is very good at singing and dancing, she loves pizza, and she really likes the book Sleeping Beauty. When Courtney grows up she wants to be a rock star and a doctor. I asked her if she wanted to be both at the same time, and she said yes! Courtney enjoys riding her bike, hanging out with her sister, and she said she loves it when her hair blows in the wind! She is one special Star Student!

Visitors from China

Today we enjoyed some visitors from China. The visitors showed 2A how Chinese children exercise with fans, play instruments, and how they speak their language. The children really enjoyed asking questions and learning about the culture.

First Day of School Activities...

What a great first day of school! The students were very enthusiastic about school today and seemed to enjoy all of the activities we did throughout the day! Please enjoy some pictures of the new 2A students! Also, please be sure to check your child's homework folder tonight when they get home from school. There are MANY important papers to go through before Back to School Night. You will also find the sign up sheet for conferences inside their folder. Please return that ASAP. Thank you for your support!

Indoor Recess Activities...


No Shoes Zone...

Silent reading...
Find a Friend Activity...



Silent reading...




Back to School Activities...

Student of the Week Schedule

Families,
You will see a Read All About Me poster coming home the first day of school. This poster will be used for our Student of the Week activity. Please have your child complete it (using their neatest handwriting and coloring) by the dates listed below. If your child finishes it beforehand, please feel free to send it in to be stored in the classroom. We will be posting these up around the room, so please make sure he/she takes his/her time to complete it neatly. Also, when it is your child's student of the week date, please send in a few favorite pictures with him/her to share with the class. Thank you for your support with this!

September 2 - Courtney
September 4 - Mira
September 8 - Carolyn
September 10 - Christopher
September 15 - Lydia
September 17 - Dalyn
September 22 - Peter
September 24 - Israeljah
September 29 - Peyton
October 1 - Ryan
October 6- Tyler
October 8 - Jordan
October 14 - Brandon
October 16 - Aiyana
October 20 - Natalie
October 22 - Cole
October 27 - Aden

Welcome to 2A!

Hello new 2A students! I can't wait to meet you at the Ice Cream Social on August 25 at 5:00 pm!

Welcome new 2Aers...

Courtney
Mira
Carolyn
Christopher
Lydia
Dalyn
Peter
Israeljah
Peyton
Ryan
Tyler
Jordan
Brandon
Aiyana
Natalie
Cole
Aden